Hiatus is not over, I just found some little time to write this. 

Acier hovered over the shattered ruins of the Silver Eagle base, her presence dominating the scene. Her former squad lay strewn across the rubble, powerless against her might. Even Nozel, her eldest, bled out on the cobblestone below, impaled by her blade mere moments ago.

"So, this is the legacy of the Silver Eagles I left behind?" Acier sighed, her voice carrying both disappointment and cold finality. She looked down at Nebra and Solid, crawling feebly on the ground, unable to muster even a shred of resolve to stand against her. Their pitiful state only bolstered her confidence.

Being weak is a sin, she thought, echoing Master Lucius's teachings. Not everyone is born equal, and not everyone has the capacity to rise to greatness. That's why we'll make it so everyone can be great—a fair and just world.

Her gaze lingered on Nebra and Solid, their trembling forms drenched in shame and fear. Her expression softened, sorrow creeping into her features despite the circumstances.

"Nebra. Solid." Her voice carried a note of regret, almost maternal. "You had the potential to grow stronger." Even if your mana and talent couldn't match Nozel's or Noelle's, you were destined for more. She shook her head slightly. "But pride and hatred twisted your strength, corroded your spirits."

Acier knew the truth—she had been told everything. Despite being dead for 17 years, Lucius had filled her in on the lives her children had led in her absence. She understood what they had become. And it hurts.

Her heart clenched as memories of the cruelty Nebra and Solid had inflicted on Noelle surfaced. What they did to her… The thought was like a dagger. She had so much she wanted to say to them, so many scathing words, but she held back.

Lashing out won't change anything. This is my fault—for being weak, for dying, for leaving them behind. Everything they did to Noelle, twisted as it was, came from a place of love and grief over losing me.

Her guilt weighed heavily on her, her gaze narrowing as the ache settled deep within her chest. "I suppose… you didn't have enough love in your lives," she said quietly. "If only I hadn't died… I'm sorry. This is my fault."

She studied Solid's trembling frame, watching him struggle internally, and allowed herself a soft, bittersweet smile. But none of that matters anymore, she continued, her voice growing steadier. "Even if you're weak," even if you've lost your way "… I love you. Master Lucius will create a peaceful world where everyone is equal. Come—be reborn, and let's start fresh together—"

"Acier!"

The shout cut through her words, loud and commanding, and Acier's head snapped toward the source of the voice. It was a voice she would never forget, one that was impossible to mistake.

Nebra and Solid froze, their wide eyes jerking toward the same direction. Nozel, bleeding and pale, forced himself onto his knees despite the pain, his gaze following theirs.

On the fractured rooftop of a crumbling structure stood Sebastian, his hands bound behind his back. His weathered, somber eyes met Acier's as he stared up at her, unflinching.

Sebby...

The sight of him stirred a storm of emotions in Acier. After Megicula had been defeated and her soul freed, they had shared a fleeting, bittersweet moment—barely enough to exchange words before her essence had faded away.

But now, with her soul and body reconstructed by Lucius, she had all the time she could ever need. All the words she had left unspoken could finally be said.

Her heart raced, though her demeanor remained composed. A soft smile graced her lips as she regarded him with a mix of pride and gratitude that even she couldn't fully unravel. "Sebastian, I saw everything. Master Lucius showed me the man you became—or, rather, the man you returned to. The compassionate man I love."

Not far off, Noelle arrived with Kahono and Kiato, freshly empowered from their training at the Seabed Temple. The moment she saw Acier, towering and radiant with power, Noelle froze. Her battle instincts screamed at her to strike now, but an unfamiliar hesitation held her back. This wasn't just an enemy—it was her mother. And whatever this moment between her parents was, interrupting it felt wrong.

She barely noticed as Kahono and Kiato worked quickly to gather her wounded siblings and brought a House Silva servant to tend to their injuries. Her focus was locked entirely on the two figures before her.

Acier placed a hand over her chest, her expression softening. "All that you've done... the lives you've saved... even—" She turned her head slightly, her gaze finding Noelle. The look was gentle, almost apologetic, and it made Noelle's breath hitch. "Even looking after our youngest... it makes me so happy. So proud of you."

Turning back to Sebastian, Acier's voice carried both wistfulness and determination. "I know we had our differences, and fate played its cruel hand, keeping us from our happy ending. But now, thanks to Master Lucius, we have the chance to start anew."

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, her smile widening with an almost childlike anticipation. "After I kill you—after I kill all of you—Master Lucius will remake you as divinely blessed beings, like me and the other Paladins. Then we'll have an eternity together, an immortal family—"

"ACIER!"

The cold sharpness in Sebastian's voice was like a blade, cutting through her words and freezing her mid-sentence. Her smile faltered, her body going rigid as if struck by lightning.

The Silva siblings stiffened in unison, their eyes darting between their father and their mother. Through Mars's communication magic, the entire kingdom watched the scene unfold in real-time.

Across the magic screens, those watching could feel Sebastian's fury radiating like a palpable force.

Some believed he was enraged by the destruction of his home.

Others thought it was the sight of his children broken and battered that set him off.

Many were convinced his heart ached at seeing his beloved wife reduced to a puppet of Lucius.

But whatever the source of his anger, no one could deny its intensity.

Before anyone could react, Sebastian unfolded his arms from behind his back. Slowly, deliberately, he extended his right hand, pointing downward at the ground in front of him. His piercing gaze never left Acier's face.

"Come here. Now."

Something strange washed over Acier—an unbidden sensation, as if she were a passenger in her own body. She felt her will falter, her control slipping away. Without understanding why, her body obeyed his command, moving on its own.

With an almost childlike eagerness, she flew to Sebastian, landing softly in front of him.

Noelle and Nozel tensed, identical waves of disbelief and frustration washing over them.

Father, what are you doing?! Noelle's thoughts raced. You've gotten stronger, sure, but you're no match for Mother. She'll kill you!

Yet before either sibling could voice their concerns, Sebastian spoke first, his focus locked solely on the woman before him.

"Is this how you present yourself in front of your husband?! Drop that wretched form this instant!"

The words were like a thunderclap, leaving everyone—Acier included—blinking in stunned silence.

And then, as if compelled by some unseen force, Acier's Paladin form began to dissolve. Her horns and the glowing lines on her skin evaporated into nothing, her emerald green eyes fading back to their natural lilac. Her pale, unnatural complexion returned to a healthy hue. In the span of a breath, she was left standing awkwardly before Sebastian in a simple, flowing dress, her expression riddled with confusion.

Why am I obeying him?! Acier's thoughts swirled in disarray. My supreme loyalty is to Master Lucius!

If Sebastian cared for her inner turmoil, he didn't show it. He took a step back, crossing his arms as his scrutinizing gaze roamed over her. A flash of satisfaction flickered in his eyes before his expression shifted to one of pure disapproval.

"Did being dead for 17 years turn you into an even bigger idiot, woman?!" he barked. "You resurrect only to destroy your home, our squad's base, and nearly kill your own son?!"

The silence that followed was deafening. Across the kingdom, those watching the scene unfold via Mars's communication magic were frozen in stunned disbelief. Even Ryuya, far across the seas, was left gaping at the scene, opening and closing his mouth like a fish out of water.

But Sebastian wasn't done. He leaned in dangerously close, his face inches from Acier's, the vein on his forehead pulsing with rage.

"I asked you a question. Answer me, woman!"

Nozel, still nursing his wounds, let out a resigned sigh. Old habits really do die hard. Not even being dead can save Mother from Father's harassment. His eyes narrowed bitterly. I get greeted with a lance through the stomach while Father gets a warm welcome and a compliment. Typical.

Noelle, meanwhile, was frozen in shock. Father, why are you antagonizing her? She's going to kill you—

"I'm sorry."

Noelle's thought screeched to a halt as her mind blanked, the same as everyone else's. Across the kingdom, jaws dropped. Contrary to every expectation, Acier did not retaliate. She didn't lash out or deliver a fatal blow.

Instead, she hung her head low, visibly fidgeting like a chastised child caught misbehaving.

Sebastian was far from appeased. He reached out, grabbed her chin, and forced her gaze upward to meet his. "Look at me when I'm speaking to you, woman!"

Acier trembled, sweat beading on her forehead as her legs threatened to give out beneath her. "I-I'm s-sorry—"

"HUH?!" Sebastian's booming voice cut her off.

"I-I mean, I-I'm s-so s-sorry—"

"HUH?!"

"I-I'm deeply apologetic for my actions!"

"HUH?!"

Acier's face turned as red as a tomato as she practically yelled her next words. "I'm deeply apologetic for my actions, Husband!"

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "HUH?!"

"I'm deeply apologetic for my actions, M-Master!" she finally shouted, her voice cracking with desperation.

The world seemed to hold its breath. Across the magic screens and on the battlefield, an eerie silence blanketed everything, the absurdity of the scene leaving everyone too stunned to speak.

Noelle collapsed to her knees, her face flushed crimson as the sheer weight of secondhand embarrassment—and something else she refused to name—overtook her. I-I didn't know Mother and Father were like that!

She had always considered herself and Asta bold and daring. Some of the things they'd done together felt like the height of rebellious romance, yet here she was, realizing she might have been playing in the kiddie pool this whole time. The realization sent an inexplicable thrill coursing through her.

Far away, Asta—standing just before the Door of Fate, preparing to return to the Clover Kingdom—suddenly shivered. A strange, foreboding chill ran down his spine.

In Castle Vermillion, Aurelia sat in stunned silence as she stared at the magic screen, her eyes locked on Acier's submission. Finally, she raised a trembling hand to point at the image.

"Y-you… have s-some shame—ahh!" Whatever else she intended to say was lost as she fainted, collapsing into her husband Florian's arms just in time to avoid hitting the floor.

Near the mesosphere, Lucius sat perched on his divine throne, his serene composure shattered as his eyes widened in shock. What just happened?

His connection to Acier had been severed—no, wrenched away—without warning. Until now, only anti-magic had been capable of freeing someone from his control, and even then, resurrected individuals like Acier were supposed to disintegrate the moment they were freed. Yet, there she stood, alive and whole.

Lucius's gaze narrowed as he watched the scene unfold on the magic screens. His eyes flickered between Acier and Sebastian, who was currently frowning down at her as if scolding a child.

"You think a mere apology will make things right?!" Sebastian barked. "You nearly killed Nozel, and with all the destruction you caused, he might've been better off dead—with the mountain of accountability paperwork waiting for him."

Nozel's stomach churned, dread pooling in his gut. Enemy or not, someone would have to answer for Acier's rampage. And naturally, that "someone" would be House Silva. And by House Silva, they meant Lord Silva.

And by Lord Silva, they mean me.

A dark, bitter thought crossed his mind as he envisioned the endless paperwork, the funding requests, the rebuilding efforts, the sleepless nights of signing bills… Should they survive this ordeal, maybe death wasn't such a bad alternative after all.

Acier glanced at her son with an apologetic look, her lilac eyes glimmering with guilt. The gesture only made Nozel feel more conflicted, his resentment and affection warring silently inside him.

Turning back to Sebastian, Acier lowered her head, her tone meek and trembling. "Y-you're right, Master. P-please punish me."

The scene was so surreal, so utterly inconceivable, that the watching crowd—across the battlefield and through the magic screens—couldn't even muster a reaction. The once-noble image of House Silva and the fabled "Dancing Princess of the Battlefield" was being dragged deeper into absurdity with every passing moment.

Sebastian snorted, his arms crossing as he gave her a curt nod. "Fine. You know the drill. Now get in position."

The spectators collectively froze, their hands twitching awkwardly as if unsure whether to shield their eyes or scratch their chins in confusion.

And then it happened.

Acier turned around with deliberate grace, dropped to her hands and knees like a loyal pet, and arched her back, angling her rear directly in Sebastian's direction.

Adults across the kingdom went wide-eyed, their jaws dropping in disbelief. Parents scrambled to cover their children's eyes—some too stunned to move in time. Several older nobles clutched their chests as if their dignity might give out under the strain.

The Silva siblings, however, were trapped. Their gazes were locked on the scene as if cursed. Nozel, Noelle, Solid, and Nebra all felt the burning heat of mortification, but no matter how desperately they wished to look away, they couldn't.

The Clover Kingdom's collective morale plummeted into a pit of mortification, yet somehow, no one could look away.

And then it happened.

Sebastian raised his hand high above his head, his arm glowing faintly with reinforcement magic, before bringing it down in a firm, decisive motion.

"PLAP!"

The sound echoed unnaturally, amplified by the magic screens transmitting the event across the kingdom.

Marx, hunched over his broadcasting spell, wanted to turn it off immediately. But if he did, he risked missing something crucial. This might somehow still be important… right?

Mimosa, sitting nearby and focusing on her healing spell, fervently wished he'd find the courage to pull the plug. Her face burned as bright as her uncle's hair. So this is where Noelle gets it from…

Sebastian, completely unaware of the chaos he was causing, delivered another slap.

"PLAP! PLAP! PLAP! PLAP!"

A strange, gleeful feeling stirred in him as his hand met Acier's form again and again. He quickened the pace, his strikes growing harder and faster. The unexpected tactile satisfaction, combined with the sight of Acier's form responding to his actions, awakened something buried deep within him.

Acier, meanwhile, was struggling. She bit down on the collar of her dress to muffle her moans, but her trembling shoulders and dilated pupils betrayed her. Her lilac eyes began to take on an unnatural, heart-shaped glow.

So this is how it feels to be on the receiving end!

Her thoughts whirled as a strange, exhilarating heat consumed her. Sebastian's rugged, older appearance, complemented by his ever-handsome face, struck chords she hadn't realized were in her. Her breathing quickened as she let the dress fall from her mouth. Her head tilted back, her lips parting on instinct.

"Ahh—Sebby… ahh, do it harder! Ahhh!!"

Sebastian froze mid-motion.

The words hit him like a bucket of ice water. He stiffened, his cheeks reddening ever so slightly as he slowly registered what he'd done—and who was watching.

His eyes darted to the Silva siblings, sprawled on the ground, their eyes dead and hollow, tears of blood seemingly streaming down their faces. The magic screens reflected their horror back at him, undoubtedly broadcasting this spectacle to every corner of the kingdom.

With an exaggerated air of calmness, Sebastian straightened, clasped his hands behind his back, and adopted a nonchalant stance as if nothing had happened.

"Stand up," he said coldly, his voice steady but curt.

Acier's disappointment was palpable, but she obeyed instantly, her expression shifting to blank submission as she stood before him like a chastised servant.

Sebastian leaned in close, his voice dropping to a hot, commanding whisper as his breath tickled her ear.

"That was supposed to be a punishment," he said, his tone sharp, "but it seems it turned into a reward. So, if you want more…" His lips curled into a smirk. "Bring me the head of a Paladin."

Acier's body trembled as a wave of exhilaration coursed through her. Her pupils again morphed into hearts as she surged forward, wrapping her arms around Sebastian's neck and pulling him into a smothering kiss.

Their tongues danced for a fleeting moment before she pulled away, licking the glistening strand of saliva that connected them. She stepped back, her body alight with energy as she reentered her Paladin form.

"Wait for me, Sebby!" she purred, her voice thick with exhilaration. "I'll be back soon!"

With that, she shot into the sky, leaving her husband standing amid a sea of silence. All around him, people struggled to process what they'd just witnessed. For the first time in a very long time, the Clover Kingdom was unified—if only in stunned disbelief.

Like a rocket, she blasted off at a speed that seemed to defy even light itself. Sebastian's sharp eyes followed her trajectory, quickly realizing where she was headed. Straight for Morgen.

Will she be alright? Scratching his head, Sebastian frowned. Morgen was by far the strongest Paladin. Acier could, at best, claim the number two spot—but in terms of raw hax, she was practically the weakest of the bunch. If not for Heath, she wouldn't even be in the conversation.

Morgen was not an opponent one simply "dealt with." Yet, as Sebastian watched her determined figure vanish into the horizon, chasing her prey with single-minded focus, an inexplicable calm settled over him. Somehow, he just knew she'd be fine.

Nacht would never get his reunion with his brother, though. A woman's libido combined with the anticipation of a climactic release... Sebastian shook his head. That's a very scary thing.

He shifted his gaze from his departing wife to his children, snorting in amusement. "Are you lot just going to stand there looking stupid and lost, or are you going to get up and protect this kingdom?"

Noelle snapped out of her daze almost instantly. Without hesitation, she fused with Leviathan, her dragon valkyrie form bursting to life. The sudden transformation earned wide-eyed stares from Nebra and Solid as she took off in the opposite direction, flying straight toward Morris.

Nozel scratched his head and glanced up at Sebastian, looking thoroughly perplexed. "Aren't you going to help too, Father?"

"Huh?" Sebastian furrowed his brows and shot his son a pointed look. "Why would I do that? I've already done my part."

Nozel blinked, mouth opening as if to argue, but no words came out. Because it was true.

Sebastian Silva had already contributed. Not only had he defeated a Paladin, but he had also tamed and turned an enemy core military power. In terms of strategic impact, it was perhaps the single biggest achievement of the war so far.

Had it not been for the... method of his victory, his name might have gone down in history as a legend. But Clover Kingdom historians, bound to their narrow recordkeeping, would only ever note two Paladins assaulting the capital.

As for Acier Silva? Officially, she was never here. Acier Silva had died 17 years ago, her body laid to rest in the royal tombs. How could she possibly make an appearance now? And in such a shameless, indecent display, no less?

In some ways, it was a small mercy. The Steel Princess's reputation—and, by extension, that of Sebastian and the Silva family—would remain untarnished. They would be remembered as making minor contributions: fending off angel sentries, protecting the citizens. Nothing more. Nothing less.